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Should You Tip the Housekeeping Staff at a Hotel?

How to Tip a hotel housekeeperTipping housekeepers, bellmen, concierge staff and others in a luxury hotel is a topic even experienced travelers ask about. How should staff be tipped? How often should you tip them? How much should you tip?

Robin at AAA New England says "Housekeeping receives $3-$4 a day, only if you choose to tip. You should tip daily, because staff changes. Leave cash in a sealed envelope (most hotels offer stationery and envelopes in guest rooms), and write "for the chambermaid" on it. You may put the cash in the hand of whomever you're tipping. Tip the bellman about $2 for each bag, or more. Tip the concierge depending on how hard he worked for you. For example, if you want to have dinner in an exclusive restaurant and can't get the reservation yourself, tip the concierge $5 -$10 if they get you in..depending where you are, the money you leave may be very appreciated. When I was in Mexico five years ago, I left $10 with the housekeeper. She started to cry and hugged me so hard. Workers are paid really low wages, our tips are so great to them."

Tipping in other parts of the world is not usually expected. A housekeeping manager at The Four Seasons Hotel in Boston says "Tipping is a North American practice. I'm from Europe, and people don't really tip. Leave a gratuity for a meal, about 10%. Tip for good service--always appreciated. Tip in the currency of your hotel, because exchange rates can be high. It's considerate. If you are staying with us in Boston, leave the money in an envelope addressed to the housekeeper each day. If you put the money in her hand, that's fine. Staff won't take the money if it's loose in the room, if you haven't checked out. If you leave money on the pillow the day of your departure, she is allowed to accept it. If you leave a very large amount, the money will probably be turned in to lost and found!"

Julie Clarke of Kyoto, Japan explains: "In Japan, hotel staff don't expect tips. Performing optimally is expected. Staff are proud of their work! They will bow to you, and refuse the tip!"

Additional reporting provided by Carl Benjamin.


This post was contributed via Seed.com, AOL's new platform for freelance writers.

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